Stamp Investment Tip: Elobey, Annobon, and Corisco 1907 Alfonso XIII (Scott #39-54)

  Most of the early definitive sets of the various Spanish Colonies picturing King Alfonso XIII (as an infant, boy, or young man) are very scarce, and they are overlooked by the market because the colonies are often obscure and the sets are seldom seen. The condition of these sets is often far from ideal, and the stamps within frequently have rough perfs or poor centering. If found in F-VF+ LH condition and reasonably priced, they should be purchased and held as long-term investments.

  Such is the case with many of the sets of Elobey, Annobon, and Corisco, a group of islands administered by the Spanish which issued 60 postage stamps (all of which are good) between 1903 and 1910. The islands are now part of the nation of Equatorial Guinea.

   In 1905, the Spanish colonial administration of the islands issued a set of 16 stamps portraying Alfonso XIII (Scott #39-54). Only 2,500 of the 10p Rose high value were issued, and Scott '14  prices the unused set at $148.25 ($275.- for NH). I recommend purchase of either the entire set or the 10p if found in either F-VF+ NH, LH or used condition.

  I view the issue as a conservative investment based on the growth in popularity of Spanish Colonies stamps. I think that the development of a significant stamp collecting population in the foreseeable future is unlikely, but should that happen, it could dramatically boost the value of all of the stamps of Elobey, Annobon, and Corisco.

   Equatorial Guinea is one of the smallest nations in Africa, with a population of just under 700,000. It is one of the richest nations on a per capita basis due to significant oil reserves; however, the the wealth is distributed very unevenly and benefits a tiny elite, and 70% of the population lives on about $2 per day. The country's brutal regime protects the wealthy and maintains the inequity, as  Equatorial Guinea has one of the worst human rights records in the world, consistently ranking among the "worst of the worst" in Freedom House's annual survey of political and civil rights

The Stamp Auction Bidders and Consignors Union (SABACU) is a forum for discussing stamp auctions, and represents the interests of stamp auction bidders and consignors in their dealings with stamp auctioneers. All stamp collectors and dealers are welcome to join.   
 

Stamp Investment Tip: Ionian Islands 1941-43 Occupation Issues (Scott #N1-NRA5)

   The Ionian Islands were occupied by Italy in 1941 after its invasion of Greece, and in 1943 by the Germans after the Italians withdrew. The Italian and German forces issued 49 stamps during the occupation (not counting varieties) and many of these stamps are quite scarce, including some of the relatively inexpensive ones.

N17

  Unfortunately, all are overprinted stamps of Greece, and since fake overprints exist, only the most pricey of the stamps are worth buying,
due to the necessary cost of obtaining certificates. These six stamps are from the Italian Occupation - pairs overprinted for the islands of Cephalonia and Ithaca. I've listed them below, along with quantities issued and Scott '14 values for unused:

• 1941 30d Orange Brown (N17; 364 issued; $1,400.- )

NC5

Airmail Stamps:

• 1941 25d Rose (NC3; 319;  $650.- )
• 1941 50d Violet - the key stamp (NC5; 115; $4,500.- )
• 1941 100d Brown (NC6; 245; $2,250.- )
• 1941 50L Violet Brown (NC11; Unknown; $ 2,400.-)

Postal Tax Stamp:

• 1941 50L Gray Green on pale green (NRA5; Unknown; $875.-)  

   I haven't listed the various overprint varieties, which should also be considered if the total cost (including expertization) is within reason.

   These stamps have remained grossly undervalued because of the inconvenience and cost of getting them expertized, but they have multiple market appeal in Italy, Greece, and possibly Germany (due to the later occupation).

   Those interested in viewing a list of scarce stamps with printing quantities of 100,000 or fewer may wish to check out the StampSelector Scarce Stamp Quantities Issued List, which currently contains over 9,700 entries. Researching quantities issued data is vital to determining in which stamps to invest.

Stamp Investment Tip: Manchukuo 1937 Completion of Capital (Scott #116-19)

In 1931, Japan invaded Manchuria following the Mukden Incident, in which the Japanese military staged an act of sabotage in order to provide a pretext for war. In 1932, the Japanese formed the puppet state of Manchukuo, with Henry Pu-Yi, the former Emperor of China, as its head of state.

In 1937, Manchukuo issued a set of four stamps commemorating the completion of its National Capital (Scott #116-19). 84,000  sets were issued, and Scott '14 values the set unused at $18.25 ($24.- for NH).

I consider this issue to be a low-risk investment due to its scarcity and potential dual market among collectors of both China and Japan. It has been overlooked by Chinese collectors, due to their current tendency to spurn stamps issued by foreign occupiers. Eventually, this resentment will be diluted by reticence, and the undervaluation of this and similar issues will become obvious. Had this set been issued by the People's Republic, it's market value would be 50-100 times greater.

Those interested in learning about investing in stamps should read the Guide to Philatelic Investing ($5), available on Kindle and easily accessible from any computer.   
  

Stamp Investment Tip: Iran 1959 Visit of Pakistani President Ayub Khan (Scott #1135)

   In 1959, Iran issued a stamp celebrating the visit of the Pakistani President Ayub Khan (Scott #1135). 100,000 were issued, and Scott '14 prices the unused stamp at $10.00 .

   This inexpensive stamp has a potential dual market among collectors in both Iran and Pakistan, since it portrays the dictators of the time from both countries. It is likely that most were used as postage and discarded.

  I believe that the stamp is undervalued due to the unpopularity of Iran's stamps, a consequence of its current pariah status. Currently, Iranian stamps of the pre-revolutionary period are primarily of interest to collectors among the Iranians living abroad, a relatively affluent group, of whom there are about 1.3 million.
 
  Note that a common defect found on many Iranian stamps of the '50s is badly toned, "gloppy" gum. When purchasing #1135, endeavor to select examples with clean gum.

   Stamps of Iran are not widely collected at present, partly for political reasons and partly because of the ubiquity of fakes among the early overprinted issues. Nevertheless, it is an oil-rich nation (ranked second in both oil and natural gas reserves) of 76 million people, and there are signs that many of them are becoming fed up with the corrupt and reactionary theocracy that is isolating Iran from the rest of the world. Furthermore, it is beginning to diversify away from its dependence on oil into other industries, such as biotech, nanotech, and pharmaceuticals, and it has the potential to develop a thriving tourism sector, should it institute reforms and begin to improve its image.

Those interested in becoming part of an international community of stamp collectors, dealers, and investors are encouraged to join the "Stampselectors" group at Facebook. The group hosts lively discussions concerning stamp investment and practical aspects of collecting, and provides a useful venue for those who wish to buy, sell, or trade stamps.      

Stamp Investment Tip: Chile 1948 Flora and Fauna Issue (Scott #254-55,C124)

  In 1948, Chile issued a compound set of three se-tenant blocks of 25 stamps honoring the centennial of Claudio Gay's "Natural History of Chile" (Scott #254-55, C124). Though quantities issued information is not available for these stamps, I estimate that 20,000 or fewer sets were issued. Scott '14 prices the unused set of three blocks at $110.-  ($ 60.00  for 254-55, and $ 50.00 for C124).

   The set has obvious topical appeal for Flora/Fauna topicalists. According to the American Topical Association, the "Animals" category of topicals is the most popular among U.S. collectors.

   A nation of 17 million, Chile is considered the most "European" Latin American nation, and the proportion of stamp collectors within the population is moving towards European levels. Major sectors include agriculture, fishing, forestry, mining, finance, and tourism. Although economic inequities common to most Latin American nations persist, the government favors gradual reform, and has a record of implementing sound economic policies. Annual GDP growth has averaged 3.2% over the last 5 years.

 "The Stamp Specialist" blog features my buy prices for stamps which I am interested in purchasing. I've posted a buy list for Chile. Viewing dealers' buy lists every now and then is an excellent way to keep current on the vagaries of the stamp market.

Stamp Investment Tip: Philippines 1932 Von Gronau Flight Overprint (Scott #C36-45)

 In 1932, the Philippines, then under U.S. administration, overprinted stamps from its Scenes issue of that year for use on the round-the-world flight of Captain Wolfgang von Gronau (Scott #C36-45). 25,305 sets were issued, and Scott '14 prices the unused set at $29.- ($44.25 for NH).

   The set has potential multiple market appeal among collectors of Philippines, U.S. Possessions, Aerophilately, and in Germany, due to interest in  von Gronau. While I sometimes recommend obtaining expertization when buying overprinted stamps, this set is an exception because it's too inexpensive to fake.

As a newly democratic country of 92 million which is moving away from from its centuries-old complete dependence on agriculture, the Philippines could turn out to be one of the most successful emerging markets in the Pacific Region. The government tends toward fiscal conservatism coupled with long-term economic planning, and annual GDP growth has been around 6%-7%. Barring extreme political instability, it is likely that the Philippines will be one of the fastest growing economies over the next decades.

The Stamp Auction Bidders and Consignors Union (SABACU) is a forum for discussing stamp auctions, and represents the interests of stamp auction bidders and consignors in their dealings with stamp auctioneers. All stamp collectors and dealers are welcome to join.   
 

Stamp Investment Tip: Sudan 1935 Surcharged Airmails (Scott #C17-22)

In 1935, Sudan issued a surcharged airmail set (Scott #C17-22) , by overprinting some of the stamps from its 1931-35 Statue of General Gordon Issue. Only 10,000 sets were issued, and Scott '14 prices the unused set at $23.20.

While few of these stamps were actually used (the used sets are far pricier than the unused ones), the set is still undervalued, especially since it has potential dual market appeal among collectors of British Commonwealth and collectors of Sudan.

Until recently, Sudan was a nation of about 42 million people, living under what is perhaps the most vicious regime on the planet. It had suffered several civil wars over the last 50 years, including the one waged in Darfur, which earned the government international condemnation and charges of genocide. Recently, Southern Sudan (population = 8.2 million) gained independence, and it is unclear whether this will result in a lasting peace. Both countries are rich in oil, natural gas, and minerals. Agricultural production remains the most important sector, employing 80% of the workforce and contributing 39% of GDP, but most farms remain rain-fed and susceptible to drought. Political instability,adverse weather, and weak world agricultural prices ensures that much of the population will remain at or below the poverty line for years. Annual GDP growth (for Sudan as a whole) has been very high, averaging almost 8% over the last five years. However, it is very likely that most (or all) of the prosperity has benefited only the ruling elite, as Sudan was not only one of the world's most murderous countries, but also one of the most corrupt.

I recommend the set on the basis of its appeal among British Commonwealth collectors. Should a significant collector population ever develop within either of the two Sudans, it would provide an additional catalyst for price appreciation.

Those interested in learning about investing in stamps should read the Guide to Philatelic Investing ($5), available on Kindle and easily accessible from any computer.   
 

Stamp Investment Tip: Yugoslavia 1932 Rowing Championship (Scott #B26-31)

 In 1932, Yugoslavia issued a set of six semi-postals honoring the European Rowing Championship Races, held that year in Belgrade (Scott #B26-31). 60,000 sets were issued, and Scott '14 prices the unused set at $18.10 ($35.- for NH) .

  The set has multiple market appeal among collectors in the states which comprise the former Yugoslavia, as well as Sports Topicalists.

   With about 20 million citizens, the nations which comprise the former Yugoslavia are Slovenia, Croatia, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and Kosovo (which is partially recognized). They are diverse emerging market economies, which are recovering from the depredations of war and the global financial crisis. Overall, annual GDP growth has been flat over the past 5 years.

   Those interested in becoming part of an international community of stamp collectors, dealers, and investors are encouraged to join the "Stampselectors" group at Facebook. The group hosts lively discussions concerning stamp investment and practical aspects of collecting, and provides a useful venue for those who wish to buy, sell, or trade stamps.      

Stamp Investment Tip: South Korea 1955 10th Anniv. of Independence Presentation Sheets (Michel Block 85-86, Scott 219Note.)

From 1948 to 1958, South Korea issued presentation sheets featuring the designs of its regular postage stamps. These ungummed, often crudely produced sheets were issued  in very low quantities and given to dignitaries, including friends of the President, as the country was not completely devoid of cronyism. The Michel catalog lists these sheets, but Scott does not, although it mentions them. They frequently sell at auction for between 10% and 20% of Michel, and I consider them grossly undervalued due to the uncertainty about their legitimacy. They were issued during a period of war and the gradual recovery from it, when the country was very poor, and they are as scarce as hen's teeth.

   In 1955, South Korea issued a set of two presentation sheets celebrating the nation's 10th Anniversary of Independence (Michel Block 85-86, Scott 219Note). 1,000 sets were issued, and Michel prices the set at at 900.- Euros (about $ 1,220.-). I recommend purchase of the set if it offered at around $120.- to $240.- (about 10%-20% of Michel CV).

  A nation of about 50 million people, South Korea is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Currently, it is the world's 13th largest economy and eighth largest exporter. It's export-fueled economic growth has led to a miraculous explosion in its GDP, from almost nothing 50 years ago to about $1 trillion today. Annual GDP growth has averaged about 4% over the last 5 years, reflecting a slowdown in 2009 due to the global financial crisis. Furthermore, South Korea may be the most rapidly aging nation on earth, as its 65+ population is expected to more than quadruple from 9% in 2005 to 38% in 2050. Obviously, this could pose economic challenges for the country, but it will almost certainly add to its stamp collecting population.

Those interested in viewing a list of scarce stamps with printing quantities of 100,000 or fewer may wish to check out the StampSelector Scarce Stamp Quantities Issued List, which currently contains over 9,700 entries. Researching quantities issued data is vital to determining in which stamps to invest.